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Published on: March 7, 2019
Computer-tailored physical activity behavior change interventions targeting adults: a systematic review.
Leonie Michelle Neville1, Blythe O'Hara, Andrew Milat
1Centre for Health Advancement, New South Wales Department of Health, Locked Mail Bag 961, North Sydney NSW 2059, Australia. neville_leonie@bigpond.com.
Summary
Computer-tailored programs show potential for increasing physical activity, but evidence on their long-term effectiveness and generalizability remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to confirm sustained health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Health Promotion
Background:
- Promoting physical activity is crucial for public health.
- Computer-tailored behavior change programs offer a promising approach to modifying lifestyle risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on second and third-generation computer-tailored primary prevention interventions for physical activity.
- To assess the effectiveness and identify success factors of these interventions.
- To focus on interventions using expert systems for tailoring and exclude first-generation programs.
Main Methods:
- A narrative systematic review was conducted.
- Studies published between January 1996 and 2008 were identified through searches of Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and All EBM Reviews.
- Reference lists of relevant articles were also examined.
Main Results:
- Seventeen articles evaluating 16 interventions were included in the review.
- Ten of the interventions demonstrated significant positive effects on physical activity or weight reduction outcomes.
- The review specifically assessed the external validity of the included studies.
Conclusions:
- The overall evidence for the effectiveness of computer-tailored physical activity interventions is inconclusive.
- These interventions have the potential for widespread reach.
- Uncertainty remains regarding the generalizability and sustainability of reported effects.